The Bracken School of Irish Dance
Bracken West Coast
Mesa, Arizona
Conveniently located off the 101 Freeway in Mesa, our brand new studio is just minutes away from downtown Mesa, Gilbert and Chandler. Our location is easily accessible from multiple freeways and from many areas within the Valley.
Come check us out!
Meet The Team
Maggie Lopez TCRG
Owner and Director
Maggie Lopez brings over 25 years of experience in Irish dance, infusing every class with passion, dedication, and a deep love for the art form. She began her Irish dance journey at the age of seven as a Bracken dancer in Tucson, AZ. When the Bracken School relocated to Phoenix in 2006, Maggie continued her training with the Maguire Academy, where she competed until 2016. She started assisting in classes at the age of 13 and earned her teaching certification in 2017.
Maggie's passion for Irish culture led her to study abroad in Ireland, where she immersed herself in the traditional and regional aspects of Irish dance. Her teaching experience spans a diverse age range, from toddlers to seniors, and she appreciates the unique qualities each age group and skill level brings to the dance floor.
In 2023, Maggie proudly became the owner of the Bracken School, continuing its legacy while bringing fresh vision and energy to the studio. She is currently pursuing her adjudicator's certification, demonstrating her commitment to growing both personally and professionally within the Irish dance community.
Beyond the dance floor, Maggie works as a financial analyst, balancing precision and creativity in both her careers. However, it is in the studio where her heart truly lies. She finds immense joy in teaching children, helping them develop not only their dance skills but also a sense of achievement, community, and self-confidence. Watching students grow throughout their dance journey is one of her greatest rewards.
Maggie is honored to lead the Bracken School and looks forward to nurturing the next generation of Irish dancers.
Colleen Kelahan-Pierson, Instructor
With over 25 years of Irish dance experience, Colleen Kelahan-Pierson brings a deep passion for tradition, movement, and mentorship to every class. A lifelong dancer, Colleen has trained and performed at various levels including on the worlds stage and now shares that expertise with the next generation of Irish dancers.
Outside the studio, Colleen works as a physical therapy technician, with a special focus on pediatrics and sports therapy. This unique background in physical wellness and injury prevention allows her to approach teaching with a strong emphasis on technique, safety, and the long-term health of each dancer.
Dedicated to creating a supportive and inspiring learning environment, she combines years of performance experience with a nurturing approach to help dancers grow in confidence, skill, and love for Irish dance.
